At least 17 people were nabbed by authorities for intruding the Sharjah’s nature reserves and violating measures enforced to protect the sites.
It comes after Executive Council approved Resolution No. 5 of 2021, which seeks to end violations in biodiversity conservation at the emirate’s reserves.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), has warned that violators could face administrative fines that could range up to AED50,000.
Moreover, EPAA is conducting stringent round the clock inspection and monitoring campaigns to prevent such intrusions and activities that could endanger the wildlife found within the nature reserves.
“The plan is to monitor the natural reserves strictly and reduce the number of violations. Strict measures are in place against violators and we aim to stop the intrusions.,” Al Suwaidi explained.
Meanwhile, the official noted entering the nature reserves without an official permit is one of the most common violations with a corresponding fine of AED5,000.
Al Suwaidi added that hunting, transporting or killing wild or marine creatures in the nature reserves and surrounding areas, and conducting activities that could harm them is prohibited unless it was in accordance with the environmental laws.
If found guilty individuals will be slapped with a penalty worth AED10,000.
